Winter has made itself at home at our Commonwealth Animal Care facility, so we are battening down the hatches until spring.

Unfortunately, that may sound like a good idea, but is not exactly practical for your four-legged friend who needs to go outside to eliminate and exercise. But pets, like people, are vulnerable to cold-related injuries, including hypothermia and frostbite, and need extra protection. 

So, if you’re venturing outdoors—willingly or otherwise—here are some tips for helping your pet safely brave the winter cold.

#1: Know how cold is too cold for pets

Pet owners often ask what temperature is unsafe for their pets to go outside or play outdoors. The answer is—it depends. Cold weather can affect individual pets differently, depending on their individual characteristics. For pets, this includes breed or breed mix (e.g., Nordic, arctic, or desert-originating breeds), history (i.e., working dogs acclimated to spending long periods outdoors), age, and health. For example, cold weather can worsen arthritis pain, cardiovascularly compromised pets may struggle to step through deep snow, and pets with diabetes, heart, kidney, or hormone disorders may be unable to regulate their body temperature.

Generally speaking, we recommend limiting your pet’s outdoor excursions during cold weather, especially when temperatures are sub-freezing. Always monitor your pet for comfort and safety, and return inside at the first indication of discomfort, such as:

  • Holding up one or more paws
  • Stopping during a walk or play and refusing to continue
  • Appearing lost, nervous, or worried
  • Shivering or shaking
  • Red or irritated paws

Pets at greatest risk for cold-related injury include seniors, puppies and kittens, chronically ill pets, and breeds with short-haired or low body fat (e.g., sighthounds). 

#2: Protect your pet’s paws

Although your pet’s toes are well-protected by a tough keratin exterior and cushioned by heat-retaining adipose tissue (i.e., fat), prolonged exposure can cause serious injury. Protective footwear and paw treatments can decrease your pet’s risk for frostbite and chemical irritation from ice melt, and provide extra traction on snow and ice. 

Paw protecting measures include:

  • Using paw-safe ice melt — Snow and ice can cause pets—and owners—to slip and fall, and can result in serious injury, yet common rock salt and ice melt products not only can burn and irritate your pet’s paw pads, but also can harm your pet if they ingest the products when licking or chewing their feet. After you clear your sidewalks, stairs, and other pathways, apply a pet-friendly product made with urea or magnesium chloride.
  • Clean your pet’s paws after venturing out — Always wipe your pet’s feet with a damp cloth after walking on roads or sidewalks to remove any accumulated salt, ice melt, or debris, and discourage your pet from licking or chewing their feet. You can melt ice balls or snow packed between their toes or in their hair with a hair dryer on low heat. 
  • Outfit your pet with protective footwear — Dog boots are not merely a fashion statement—protective footwear can protect your dog’s paw pads from harsh chemicals and prevent cold weather damage, including dryness, cracking, or abrasions from rough ice patches, and are essential for pets who need extra traction. Gradually introduce your dog to their boots indoors, until they are fully acclimated.

#3: Keep your pet cozy with a coat

You wouldn’t dream of going outside in your underwear, so why send your smooth-coated dog outside without a jacket? Cold-sensitive pets will appreciate a warm jacket, coat, or sweater when the mercury falls. No matter which fashion you choose, ensure the clothing fits properly—loose garments can pose a fall hazard, while tight apparel can restrict breathing or prevent normal movement—and does not irritate their skin and fur. Remove your pet’s outfit daily to allow their skin to breathe, and launder the item regularly. 

#4: Protect your pet from antifreeze poisoning

Antifreeze and windshield de-icing fluid contain ethylene glycol, which is a sweet-tasting but extremely toxic compound that causes acute kidney failure in dogs and cats. As little as one tablespoon for dogs and one teaspoon for cats can cause toxicity. Without rapid and aggressive veterinary treatment (i.e., cats in three hours and dogs 12 hours after ingestion), ethylene glycol toxicity is 100% fatal.

Replace all ethylene glycol-containing automotive products with pet-safe alternatives that contain propylene glycol, keep all chemical products in their original containers stored out-of-reach, and clean all spills immediately. If your pet is exposed to this toxin, seek immediate veterinary care. 

#5: Stock up on your pet’s essentials

When the forecast calls for winter weather, most people rush out for staples like bread, milk, and eggs. We recommend you also check your pet’s food and medication supply to ensure you don’t run out during the storm. Keeping extra quantities on hand can help ensure you are prepared for any unexpected event—not only cold weather, but also unplanned emergencies or travel. We also suggest purchasing or assembling a pet first aid kit for minor injuries and ailments.

Don’t be left out in the cold when it comes to pet safety—always plan ahead to protect your furry friend from winter’s chill. For more cold weather safety tips and all your veterinary care needs, contact Commonwealth Animal Care.